Launch of new research network to promote more socially inclusive transport systems in the global south

9 May 2017

The International Network for Transport and Accessibility in Low Income Communities (INTALInC) in the Institute of Transport Studies has now launched.

The network, funded by the ESRC’s Global Research Challenge Fund, has been set up to build lasting research partnerships to develop research to promote urban transport systems that can meet the travel needs of low income populations in cities in the Global South.

The social consequences of inadequate transport systems in developing cities have been largely ignored by policy makers. However, researchers are increasingly raising concerns about the severe mobility and accessibility disadvantages of the urban poor in developing cities. Using case studies from cities in Bangladesh, Ghana, India, Nigeria, the Philippines, South Africa and Uganda, INTALInC’s interdisciplinary focus will be transformative for the development of more socially inclusive transport systems planning in these locations.

Coordinated by the Institute of Transport Studies at the University of Leeds (UK), the core network is made up of nine partner organisations from across the UK, Africa and East Asia. Established in January 2017, in the first instance INTALInC will run until June 2018.

Professor Karen Lucas, the Network Director says, ‘We want the network to draw together a wide range of expertise and experiences from within and outside of the transport sector, especially in related fields such as housing, health, education and social welfare. How and where transport systems are designed and operated makes all the difference to whether they include or exclude the poorest people living in developing cities. Our key aim is to discuss and expose the important links between people’s ability to move and their opportunity to participate in life-chance opportunities such as employment, education and healthcare and welfare services. We also want to ensure that people can travel affordably and without fear for their lives whether on foot, by bicycle or by public transport.’

Over the next 18 months, INTALInC will build collaborative, cross disciplinary relationships, and develop and run four ‘research in practice’, country-based workshops, as well as a series of interim webinars and other networking events to share information and cement links with the broader network. Outputs from these events will communicate the transport and accessibility needs of vulnerable populations to local and national decision makers, making a real impact on the transport systems of tomorrow in developing cities.

The next INTALInC workshop will be held in Cape Coast, Ghana on 22-23 May 2017. Partners will meet to investigate the specific mobility concerns and accessibility needs of children and young people in Ghana.